Jellison & Nathanson, LLP is a small law firm specializing in criminal defense, the defense of students charged with misconduct in the college and university setting (sometimes known as Title IX cases), and minimizing the collateral effects of criminal convictions. We provide our clients with the highest level of representation by combining the specialized knowledge and individual treatment of a boutique criminal defense firm with the experience and accomplishment of a national firm. As leaders among the criminal defense bar, we regularly work with some of the largest firms in the nation to advance the interests of our clients while also moving the law forward.

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Attorney Jellison named as one of the 40 Best LGBTQ+ Lawyers Under 40

Attorney Jellison was recently named as one of the 40 Best LGBTQ+ Lawyers Under 40 by the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. This recognition is given to attorneys “under the age of 40 who have distinguished themselves in their field and have demonstrated a profound commitment to LGBTQ+ equality.” Attorney Jellison was the author of the arguments that established sexual orientation as a protected class under the Massachusetts constitution and banned discriminatory peremptory strikes on the basis of sexual orientation. Beyond the courtroom, Attorney Jellison is Co-Chair of the Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association, is its liaison to the Superior Court, and was the co-chair of its Committee for Transgender Inclusion from 2014-2020. She is also a member of the SJC Standing Committee on Lawyer Wellbeing's Subcommittee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Small and Medium Size Firms.

We could not be prouder to have her co-lead our firm.

On March 19, 2025, the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers presented Attorney Ramos with the Hines Burnham Award. The award is given in recognition of exceptional service, skill and innovation in the defense of the accused by an attorney practicing for ten years or less. Melissa has recently either been lead or second chair in cases that resulted in the overturning of a second-degree murder conviction, a jury verdict of manslaughter where the defendant was charged with first-degree murder, and the entering of a not guilty finding on appeal of a conviction for a restraining order violation. She also recently helped two clients convicted of extremely serious offenses successfully petition for parole. The Hines-Burnham Award is named for two trailblazing African-American women criminal defense lawyers who advanced the profession and excelled for their clients. Attorney Ramos is the continuation of that proud tradition.